AllExperts > Wild Animals 
Search      
Wild Animals
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Wild Animals Questions · Answer Library  · Encyclopedia ·
More Wild Animals Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Wild Animals
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
 
About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise the baby yourself. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience
I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Wild Animals > platypus

Wild Animals - platypus


Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 10/30/2009

Question
My friend says that she is adopting a platypus. Is that possible? My friend and i live in the us also i dont know if this matters but she has a lot of money and her parents work for the government so they have friends in high places.

Answer
Dear Ben,

I would be very, very surprised if your friend were actually going to be able to adopt a platypus.  These animals do NOT make good pets.  They are aggressive, nervous, and very difficult to keep in captivity, even in a zoo.  The males have venomous hind claws that can deliver a debilitatingly painful sting to a human.  There is just no way that any zoological garden or organization would be likely to send a platypus to a private party, as there are very few of them in captivity, even in their native land.

I think your friend is either pulling your leg, or just fibbing to make you jealous.

(And what is it with the platypusophilia I've been getting lately?  This is the third question I've gotten about kids wanting to adopt a platypus in a short time.  You guys should form a club!  :)  )

Hope this helps.

Dana

Add to this Answer   Ask a Question


 
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2008 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.